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Psittacosis

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Definition:

Psittacosis is an infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a type of bacteria found in the droppings of birds. Birds spread the infection to humans.

Alternative Names:

Ornithosis; Chlamydia psittaci

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Psittacosis is a rare disease-- fewer than 50 cases have been reported in the United States in the past 5 years.

Bird owners, pet shop employees, workers in poultry processing plants, and veterinarians are at increased risk for this infection.

• Review Date: 7/28/2006
• Reviewed By: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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